CD-Charts Position 151
Average Rating:

Ohm: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music Special Edition 3CD + DVD

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
from: Ellipsis Arts

Release Date October 25, 2005
This CD set is a much needed collection for all musicians or just audio freaks with an ear for electronic music. The great thing about this set is the DVD that comes with it. If you are into pioneers of electronic music and visuals/video art, then this CD is a must for you. If you listen to electronic pioneers like Morton Subotnic to Joy Electric and visual pioneers like Yoichiro Kawaguchi to Silverlage then Don't delay. Add it to your collection.

CD-Charts Position 152
Average Rating:

One Down, One Up: Live at the Half Note

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: John Coltrane

Release Date October 11, 2005
This music was previously available on unauthorized releases. It is such an incredible set that over the years it has been held up as an example of excellence in ensemble playing in jazz studies in music departments all over the country. As if that wasn't praise enough (actions speak louder than words), I'm going to add my paltry 2 cents worth on what an incredible find these recordings are and how much, as a semi-pro jazz musician, I enjoy them.

I'm listening to Song of Praise from this set as I type this. First of all, it's just amazing to me that it took about 40 years after Trane's passing to get this out to the public in non-bootleg form. I have an EXTENSIVE Coltrane library that runs from his early days with Miles' quintet in ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 153
Average Rating:

Polish Night Music

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: David Lynch

Release Date March 25, 2008
A completists dream coupled with "The Air Is On Fire" which also replicates an incredible amount of the atmosphere contained in Inland Empire. Not a joyful trip by any means, but a continuation into the dreaded dream/nightmare feelings aroused by the movie.
This is dark and sad and heavy-leaden music. 5 stars for the amount of emotion it can instill (which is mostly paranoia induced). It does what it sets out to do and takes you on a journey which will leave you feeling very empty and odd. This will definitely bring you down. Not something to play on a regular basis for sure. Maybe once in a blue moon, but as I said this is for those who want to collect the whole Inland Empire experience. This is for those who aren't afraid to go places maybe we shouldn't; not ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 154
Average Rating:

The Night of the Purple Moon

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Sun Ra

Release Date August 21, 2007
Now that I finally got around to hearing Sun Ra, I wonder where he's been my whole life. I thoroughly enjoyed this record. In addition to the album being unique and accessable, it is quirky which makes the listener feel as though he is part of a small esoteric club of like minded people, kind of like listening to Daniel Johnston or in my experience appreciating the brilliant pyschedilic pop of the beach boys. Sun Ra's keyboard sounds otherworldy as it is in tone and the rhythms here are fascinating and original. I am sure to pick up more Sun Ra. If you are new to his music then I recommend that this is a good place to start.

CD-Charts Position 155
Average Rating:

Shack Man

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Medeski Martin & Wood

Release Date October 15, 1996
Tightly arranged---yet still experimental. This reeks of the islands, sun and sand and beautiful women. Telegraphically keyboarding the dopamine, serotonin to a new frenzy of dance, and thoughtfulness. Bubblehouse the anthem to which MMW will certainly explore again and again. A great listen, a must have for those seeking a vacation from the dull and mundane.
---Anthony hanley

CD-Charts Position 156
Average Rating:

Bahamut

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Hazmat Modine

Release Date August 29, 2006
After seeing this band perform at the Jazz Festival in Montreal, I was an instant fan. The crazy combination of Wade Schuman's soulful vocals and an array of instruments from harmonica to tuba surges to near perfection on several tracks.

It's hard to put these guys into a musical genre box, but the closest would be urban-gypsy-jazz.

Truly a fantastic disc.

CD-Charts Position 157
Average Rating:

The Malady of Elegance

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Goldmund

Release Date July 08, 2008
After seeing this band perform at the Jazz Festival in Montreal, I was an instant fan. The crazy combination of Wade Schuman's soulful vocals and an array of instruments from harmonica to tuba surges to near perfection on several tracks.

It's hard to put these guys into a musical genre box, but the closest would be urban-gypsy-jazz.

Truly a fantastic disc.

CD-Charts Position 158
Average Rating:

Pithecanthropus Erectus

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Charles Mingus

Release Date October 25, 1990
Probably no other bassist played as big a role as Charles Mingus did in helping shape modern jazz, and probably no other recording of Mingus defines his jazz quite the way this does. The first time I listened to this piece, I got completely lost and couldn't make any sense of it. The second time too. By the third time I heard it, everything began falling into place, and I was toe tappin' and neck snappin' in beat with the tunes. Foggy day is probably one of the most interesting "songs" on the CD, simply to listen for how each musician makes their instrument sound like something off of a busy, crowded street when traffic is not going smoothly. With Mingus to pull the tune along, the effects are executed very brilliantly, and will have you smiling at their intricacy and cleverness. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 159
Average Rating:

Trio

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Marcin Wasilewski, Slawomir Kurkiewicz, Michal Miski

Release Date February 15, 2005
These guys play so well, individually and together, I am not worthy to speak on their music except to add my praise to the rest. Even when playing abstractly, this trio conveys a certain majesty in their mystery. I don't know how you can listen to them seriously without becoming incredibly peaceful and relaxed. Mixed in with their own compositions are their versions of Bjork, Wayne Shorter, and even one from their co-conspirator Tomasz Stanko. It must be an honor to have one of your songs played by these musicians. Every song on this cd has such an integrity, every note played with such care. If you love beautiful music and jazz then this cd is a must have. Over the course of hearing several cd's, I've come to expect the unexpected from these guys. Nothing is ever trite but full of ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 160
Average Rating:

Vol. 70, Killer Joe (Book & CD Set)

CD-Charts > Music > Avant Garde and Free Jazz
by: Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long Series

Release Date August 22, 1996
Aebersold's Killer Joe book and compact disc package does what his other packages do: it provides a sound foundation for jazz improvisation. Unlike some of his artist-focused collections, though, this one includes a nice selection of post-bop pieces. Because of the way in which the piano and bass are separated in the stereo mix--like all of Aebersold's work--it is suitable for melodic improvisation or for comping improvisation on a wide variety of instruments. Yes, as another reviewer mentions, Jamey Aebersold focuses on modes. As a college educator, I find some value in this, more so than in a purely chord-focused approach to jazz improvisation. Ultimately, though, chords and modes are just materials and the user of this set or any other play-along set must use his or her ears. And, a lot of listening ... Read More: